Athletic apparel with midsagittal pocket location

ABSTRACT

Apparel having one or more pocket locations along the midsagittal plane of the wearer. During exercise or other activities, items are more comfortably and securely stored in pockets along the center-line of the body than in pockets located elsewhere on the body. Pocket locations overlying major muscle groups are avoided, reducing movement of items in the pockets during movement, and thereby avoiding distraction of the wearer and damage to items stored in the pockets.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/265,299, filed Jan. 31, 2001, the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to clothing, and moreparticularly to exercise apparel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Probably since the time that Adam and Eve donned their first figleaves (and maybe even before doing so), mankind has recognized thebenefit of pockets or pouches of various forms for carrying personalitems with them as they carry out daily activities. Pockets are nowvirtually ubiquitous in our lives, and are included in or on almostevery type of wearing apparel. In some instances, pockets are configuredfor specific uses, such as for example, watch pockets, pockets sized andshaped to receive pens or pencils, and pockets configured for carryingairline tickets in travelers' jackets. Other pockets are configured forgeneral use.

[0004] One type of apparel that often lacks sufficient pockets, however,is exercise wear. In recent years, the popularity of aerobic and otherforms of exercise has exploded. Participants in many exercise activitiesoften enjoy listening to inspirational music while working out throughthe use of MP3 players, cassette players, CD players, and other types ofportable listening devices carried with the user while exercising. Otheritems such as pagers, cell phones, wallets, keys, money, identificationcards, credit cards and/or access cards are also often carried duringexercise. Many women's exercise garments, in particular, have been foundto lack pockets for carrying items such as these.

[0005] As a result of this lack of sufficient pockets, walkers, joggers,weight lifters and other exercise participants often must carry theseitems in their hands, or in floppy and awkward packs. Carrying items inthis manner during exercise can be distracting and thereby render theworkout less effective. Also, carrying items by hand limits the abilityto engage in many forms of exercise that require free use of both hands.The exercise thus becomes secondary, because the wearer is preoccupiedwith holding everything, or finding a safe place to set it all down.

[0006] Although some apparel and electronics manufacturers haveattempted solutions to this dilemma, these solutions have not beencompletely successful in solving the needs for convenience, security,stability, and freedom of movement. For example, pockets that areincluded in or on some previously known garments have been found lackingfor several reasons. Many pockets allow stowed items to move around inthe pocket due to the size of the pocket and/or the bagginess of thegarment, often resulting in discomfort, distraction and potential damageto electronic devices. Also, the pockets of previously known garmentsare typically located over the larger muscle groups of the wearer,further resulting in discomfort, chafing or bruising from contactbetween items stored in the pocket and the underlying body part.Moreover, the pockets are typically located at positions on the bodythat are subjected to substantial movement and/or impact duringexercise. For example, items stowed in a typical hip pocket may bounceconsiderably during running, subjecting the items to potentiallydamaging movement and impact, and leading to discomfort to the wearer.Similarly, pockets of known non-elastic and/or loose-fitting garmentsmay subject stowed items to unacceptable movement and impact duringphysical activity, regardless of the pocket location. In addition, manypreviously known pocket locations are too remote from the user's ears tobe comfortably reached by headset wires from a portable music devicewithout restricting the movement of the user or interfering withexercise movement.

[0007] Nor have other manners of storing items during exercise provenfully satisfactory. Fanny packs often get in the wearer's way duringexercise and can flap around causing discomfort and distracting thewearerfrom exercise, as well as subjecting sensitive items such aselectronic music devices to potential damage. Also, the headset wiresfor many music players are barely long enough to reach fanny packs, sothe wire tethers the wearer's movements. And although some manufacturersof electronic music players include armbands or clips for securing thedevice to the wearer or her clothing, these also frequently causediscomfort or chafing to the user, or fail to secure the devicessufficiently to prevent damage from shaking, vibration or impact, orfrom the device coming loose and dropping to the ground.

[0008] These and related difficulties affect both women and men inexercising and in a number of other activities. For example, more secureand comfortable storage pockets would be desirable in many instances onboth men's and women's exercise wear, on attire for workers andprofessionals who need to carry tools of their trade and/or otherwork-related items, on garments for medical patients who must carryexternal treatment and monitoring devices such as pacemakers andinfusion pumps, on special activity garments such as diving suits, andeven on everyday casual wear and formalwear.

[0009] Thus it can be seen that needs exists for improved apparel,pocket locations, and methods for storing various items during exerciseand other activities. It is to the provision of various devices andmethods meeting these and other needs that the present invention isprimarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide apparelwith pocket configurations resulting in improved comfort to the wearerduring exercise and other activities and allowing maximum freedom ofmovement to the wearer. The preferred embodiments of the invention alsoprovide greatly improved stability and security for the items carried inpockets, protecting electronic devices from damage due to vibration andimpact, even during vigorous physical activity. Pockets of the preferredembodiments are located over parts of the body that are generally stableduring physical activity, and where the pocket is less likely tointerfere with arm or leg movement or to be subjected to substantialmovement during many common physical exercises and other activities. Forexample, pockets are preferably located generally centrally on the body,such as on the front and/or the back of the torso along the midsagittalplane (i.e., a plane extending front to back through the center of thebody, dividing the body into generally symmetrical left and righthalves). Particularly preferred pocket locations are, for example, onthe chest over the sternum, over the abdomen, over the pelvis, on theback between the shoulder blades, in the middle of the back, and in thesmall of the back.

[0011] The present invention is truly revolutionary, breaking hundredsof years of clothing tradition by positioning pockets on center on thewearer's body. Pockets have traditionally been placed on the sides ofthe body, away from the midsagittal plane. This traditional pocketlocation may result from the historical need of wearers to be able toeasily put on a garment and fasten it with buttons, laces, zippers orother fasteners. Because both hands are typically required to securethese types of fasteners, the fasteners are most conveniently locatedalong the center of the body, relegating pockets to off-center locationsof a garment. Or it is possible that the traditional off-center pocketlocation is the result of early manufacturing techniques, aestheticpreferences, and/or other reasons. Whatever the historical reason fortraditional off-center pocket placement, it has now been recognized thattoday's flexible and stretchable fabrics allow many well-fittinggarments to be pulled on, without the need for buttons or otherfasteners, thereby leaving the center area of a garment available forplacement of pockets.

[0012] Briefly described, in one embodiment, the present invention is agarment to be worn over the body of a wearer. The garment preferablyincludes an elastic material and at least one pocket. The at least onepocket is preferably located generally centrally on the garment wherebyat least a portion of the pocket is located midsagittaly when thegarment is worn by the wearer.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention is a garmentpreferably having a front portion, a back portion, a left side portion,and a right side portion. Preferably, at least one of said front andback portions includes an elastic material and at least one pocketlocated generally midway between the left side portion and the rightside portion.

[0014] In still another embodiment, the present invention is a method ofcarrying an item while engaging in physical exercise. The methodpreferably includes wearing a form-fitting garment having a pocketlocated over a body portion that is generally stable during physicalactivity; and storing the item in the pocket of the form-fitting garmentduring physical exercise.

[0015] The specific techniques and structures employed by the presentinvention to improve over the drawbacks of the prior art and accomplishthe advantages described herein will become apparent from the followingdetailed description of example embodiments of the invention and theappended drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a wearer of exercise apparelaccording to preferred forms of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a wearer of exercise apparelaccording to other preferred forms of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a wearer of exercise apparelaccording to still other preferred forms of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a wearer of exercise apparelaccording to other preferred forms of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a wearer of exercise apparelaccording to yet other preferred forms of the present invention.

[0021] FIGS. 6-8 are front and rear views of wearers of various forms ofthe apparel of the present invention, showing preferred pocketlocations.

[0022]FIGS. 9a and 9 b are side and rear skeletal views indicatingpreferred pocket locations.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a side view indicating preferred pocket locationsrelative to the spinal column of a wearer.

[0024]FIGS. 11a and 11 b are front and side skeletal views indicatingpreferred pocket locations relative to the ribcage of a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like referencenumbers refer to like parts throughout, preferred forms of the presentinvention will now be described by way of example embodiments. It is tobe understood that the embodiments described and depicted herein areonly selected examples of the many and various forms that the presentinvention may take, and that these examples are not intended to beexhaustive or limiting of the claimed invention.

[0026] As seen best with reference to FIGS. 1-8, preferred embodimentsof the invention include garments such as shorts 10, tank tops 12, jogbras 14, short-sleeved or long-sleeved tops 16, and full-length or capripants 18. Although the embodiments depicted in the figures primarilyrelate to women's exercise apparel, it will be understood that theinvention also includes other garments such as men's exercise apparel,women's and men's casual and formal attire, leotards, trade andprofession-specific attire, garments for medical patients to carrytreatment and monitoring devices, and/or special activity garments suchas diving suits and protective attire. Garments according to the presentinvention are generally sized and shaped to be worn on the body of ahuman wearer in standard fashion, and are preferably fabricated indifferent sizes to accommodate different body sizes and shapes as isknown in the art.

[0027] Typically, the garment will include a front portion adapted tocover an anterior portion of a wearer's body, a back portion adapted tocover a posterior portion of the wearer's body, a left side portionadapted to cover a left side portion of the wearer's body, and a rightside portion adapted to cover a right side portion of the wearer's body.Of course, one or more of the front, back, left side and/or right sideportions may be omitted in a particular garment, in known manner, as inthe case of a halter or backless top garment. One or more of the front,back, left side and/or right side portions can be formed in combinationfrom a single unitary piece of material, or alternatively separatepieces of material comprising each portion of a garment are joinedtogether to form the garment, as by stitching or other fabricationmeans. Likewise, each portion of a garment may be formed from a singlepiece of material or from multiple pieces of material joined together.

[0028] At least a portion of the garment preferably comprises an elasticmaterial, whereby the garment fits closely to at least a portion of thebody to prevent excess bagginess at least in the pocket area(s) of thegarment. In this manner, items stowed in a pocket are held in place,against the body of the wearer, in the intended pocket location. Inaddition, the elastic material preferably permits the garment to bepulled on, eliminating the need for fasteners such as buttons, zippersor the like to secure the garment on the wearer, or reducing the numberof fasteners needed and/or allowing fasteners to be moved to off-centerlocations on the garment. Most preferably, one or more of the front,back, left side and/or right side portions of the garment comprise anelastic material, whereby the garment is substantially form-fitting,closely conforming to the contours of the portions of the wearer's bodyabout which the garment is worn. In example embodiments, the garment ofthe present invention comprises an elastic tape or cord sewn into orotherwise secured along seams or other locations of the garment, and/oran elastic fabric of natural, synthetic or blended fiber content.Acceptable performance may be obtained, for example, by fabricating oneor more of the front, back, left side and/or right side portions of thegarment of an elastic cotton/lycra fabric; a 55% cotton, 35% polyester,10% LYCRA spandex blend fabric; and/or a 55% cotton, 35% polyester, 10%LYCRA spandex with CooLMax® blend fabric. In particular applications, itmay be desirable also to provide all or a portion of a garment accordingto the present invention with a lining and/or outer layer(s) forcomfort, insulation, weather-proofing, perspiration wicking orabsorption, body feature concealing, and/or aesthetics. For example, itmay be desirable to provide a sports bra according to the presentinvention with a lining layer of nylon or other fabric.

[0029] In its preferred embodiments, a garment according to the presentinvention comprises one or more pockets 20 for receiving items stowedtherein by the wearer. The pocket(s) 20 is/are preferably sized, shapedand located for one or more specialized applications, such as forexample, stowing an MP3 player or other portable music device, keys,access or ID cards, pager, cell phone, wallet, money, credit cards,flashlight, pedometer, make-up, lip balm, sun-screen, and/or otheritem(s). Alternatively, the pocket(s) 20 is/are configured for generalapplication. At least one pocket 20 of a garment of a preferredembodiment of the present invention is centrally located on the body ofa wearer of the garment, with at least a portion of the pocket lying onthe midsagittal plane M (FIG. 9b) of the wearer, generally midwaybetween the left side portion and the right side portion of the garment,or within a central region M′ (FIG. 11a) extending about 2-4 inches oneither side of the midsagittal plane. Central pocket locations have beenfound to position items stowed therein over body locations that remainrelatively stable during many physical activities such as aerobics,weightlifting, running, walking, swimming, sit-ups, calisthenics, andthe like; whereas off-center stowage locations such as hip pockets,breast pockets, and armband locations subject stowed items to greaterdegrees of motion and vibration. As a result, items stowed in centralpockets are less likely to be damaged or otherwise affected (e.g.,disc-skipping by a portable CD player) by motion or impact, and lesslikely to cause distraction or discomfort to the wearer. Central pocketlocations also avoid stowing items over major muscle groups of thewearer, such as the pectorals, deltoids, biceps, triceps, latisimusdorsi, gluteus maximus and quadriceps, which are commonly trained duringphysical exercise. As a result, items stowed in central pockets are lesslikely to interfere with the range of motion of these major musclegroups, or to cause bruising or discomfort to the wearer.

[0030] In example embodiments of the invention, several particularcentral pocket locations have been identified as well-suited for use,and are depicted in the drawing figures. Of course, various othercentral pocket locations are also within the scope of the invention, aswill be recognized by those skilled in the art. For example, and withparticular reference now to FIGS. 6-11, the following midsagittal pocketlocations are identified (pocket locations are identified with referenceto that portion of a typical wearer's body immediately underlying apocket of a properly-sized garment, when worn in the normal manner ofthe particular type of garment):

[0031] Upper Back: The upper back location A (pockets 20 a) is on thecenter of the back, generally above and between the shoulder blades,spanning approximately from the 5th cervical vertebra through the 4ththoracic vertebra, and more preferably from the 1st through the 4ththoracic vertebrae.

[0032] Mid-Back: The mid-back location B (pockets 20 b) is on the centerof the back, generally between the 9th and 11th thoracic vertebrae.

[0033] Lower Back: The lower back location C (pockets 20 c) is on thecenter of the back, above the curve of the buttocks but below that partof the lower back that is flexed during sit-ups, or lifting lightobjects. This area spans approximately from the 4th lumbar vertebra tothe coccyx, more preferably over the sacrum.

[0034] Breastbone: The breastbone or sternum location D (pockets 20 d)is on the chest, overlying the body of the sternum, most preferably withthe bottom of the pocket located between one-quarter to one-half waydown the body of the sternum.

[0035] UpperAbdomen: The upper abdominal location E (pockets 20 e)overlies the abdominal area spanning from the bottom of the sternum tothe navel.

[0036] Lower Abdomen: The lower abdominal location F (pockets 20 f)overlies the abdominal area below the navel and the area over thepelvis.

[0037] Certain of these pocket locations have been found particularlywell-suited for stowing specific items. Accordingly, in furtherpreferred embodiments of the invention, pockets in these locations areselectively sized and shaped to more securely retain such items. Forexample, pockets in locations A, B, C, D and E can be sized and shapedto generally match the external housing geometry of an MP3 player. Forexample, the Rio Diamond® MP3 player and other similar players are aboutthe size of a standard deck of playing cards, and are securely retainedin a generally rectangular pocket having dimensions of about 5″×3″. Forwomen's garments, the pocket in location D may be tapered to better fitthe curves of a woman's bosom to reduce jiggling during physicalactivity. Pockets in location F may be sized and shaped to receiveidentification cards, credit cards, and access cards, for example agenerally rectangular pocket having dimensions of about 3″×2″. Inaddition to the central pockets, garments according to the presentinvention may also include one or more off-center pockets, such as hippockets, pockets on the outside of the thighs above the knee, etc., inknown fashion. The provision of multiple pocket locations on a garmentallows the wearer to move stowed items from one pocket to another pocketbetween exercises, allowing selection of the most comfortable locationfor any given exercise. Each pocket preferably is hemmed along itsopening to maintain an attractive pocket look, and may or may notinclude a cover flap, button, hook-and-loop fastener, or other closure.In general, no closure is required on pockets of garments formed of anelastic fabric, as this fabric generally contours to the itemautomatically causing the stowed items to fit snugly to the body.

[0038] While the invention has been disclosed in preferred forms forillustration purposes, those skilled in the art will readily recognizethat many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment to be worn over the body of a wearer,said garment comprising an elastic material and at least one pocket, theat least one pocket being located generally centrally on the garmentwhereby at least a portion of the pocket is located midsagittaly whenthe garment is worn by the wearer.
 2. The garment of claim 1, whereinthe pocket is located over a sternum portion of the body of the wearerwhen worn.
 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the pocket is located overan abdominal portion of the body of the wearer when worn.
 4. The garmentof claim 1, wherein the pocket is located over a pelvis portion of thebody of the wearer when worn.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein thepocket is located over an upper back portion of the body, betweenshoulder blades of the wearer when worn.
 6. The garment of claim 1,wherein the pocket is located over a mid-back portion of the body of thewearer when worn.
 7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the pocket islocated over a lower back portion of the body of the wearer when worn.8. The garment of claim 1, comprising a sports bra.
 9. The garment ofclaim 1, comprising shorts.
 10. The garment of claim 1, comprisingpants.
 11. The garment of claim 1, comprising a tank top.
 12. Thegarment of claim 1, comprising a short-sleeved top.
 13. The garment ofclaim 1, comprising a long-sleeved top.
 14. A garment comprising: afront portion; a back portion; a left side portion; and a right sideportion; wherein at least one of said front and back portions comprisesan elastic material and at least one pocket located generally midwaybetween the left side portion and the right side portion.
 15. Thegarment of claim 14, having at least one pocket positioned to be locatedover a sternum portion of a wearer when worn.
 16. The garment of claim14, having at least one pocket positioned to be located over anabdominal portion of a wearer when worn.
 17. The garment of claim 14,having at least one pocket positioned to be located over a pelvisportion of a wearer when worn.
 18. The garment of claim 14, having atleast one pocket positioned to be located over an upper back portion ofa wearer when worn.
 19. The garment of claim 14, having at least onepocket positioned to be located over a mid-back portion of a wearer whenworn.
 20. The garment of claim 14, having at least one pocket positionedto be located over a lower back portion of a wearer when worn.
 21. Amethod of carrying an item while engaging in physical exercise, saidmethod comprising: wearing a form-fitting garment having a pocketlocated over a body portion that is generally stable during physicalactivity; and storing the item in the pocket of the form-fitting garmentduring physical exercise.